In this edition of news from HPWD:

• Groundwater Management Districts Association Conference
• TWDB Adopts 2027 State Water Plan
• HPWD Staff Visits Highland Springs Village Project
• Conservation Reminder
• Waste Reminder
• Administratively Complete Permit Applications
• Upcoming Events
• Texas Water News and Drought Update

Groundwater Management Districts Association Conference

The Groundwater Management Districts Association (GMDA) held its 2026 Summer Conference from July 21–23, 2026, hosted at the Cotton Court Hotel in Lubbock, Texas. The conference brought together groundwater professionals, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss sustainable water management, infrastructure planning, emerging technologies, and the future of water security in Texas and across the nation.

GMDA comprises local groundwater management districts from several Western, Midwestern, and Southern states. This conference featured a diverse lineup of speakers who provided valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing groundwater management. The event featured a welcome reception, organizational board meeting, presentations on regional water management issues, and a local field trip to Samuel Jackson, LLC.

Keynote Address

Honorable Charles Perry, Texas State Senator for District 28, served as the keynote luncheon speaker on Wednesday. Senator Perry discussed Texas' long-term water strategy, emphasizing the need to upgrade aging water infrastructure, address aquifer depletion, and strengthen the state's water supply to meet continued population growth. He highlighted the development of "new water" through water reuse, brackish and seawater desalination, produced water treatment, and strategic water conveyance projects designed to supplement existing supplies and reduce pressure on declining aquifers. Senator Perry also addressed the rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers, noting that while they present significant economic opportunities, they also place increasing demands on Texas's water and electric infrastructure, requiring careful planning to ensure reliable long-term resources.

Welcome to the Hub City

Jarett Atkinson, City Manager of Lubbock, welcomed attendees to the Hub City and provided an overview of the city's current and future water supply. He explained that Lubbock earned its nickname, the "Hub City," because it serves as the regional center for commerce, education, healthcare, and transportation throughout the South Plains. Mr. Atkinson discussed Lubbock's existing water sources and outlined the city's long-term planning efforts to ensure a reliable water supply for future growth.

Groundwater Management in Texas

Jason Coleman, P.E., General Manager of the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District, presented an overview of Texas Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs). His presentation addressed the evolution of state water planning and the factors influencing water policy, including drought, population growth, increasing water demands, competition, and litigation. He reviewed the Texas Groundwater Act of 1949, which established the framework for locally managed groundwater conservation districts, and discussed current rulemaking related to GCD management plans and Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) for Texas aquifers. Looking ahead, Mr. Coleman noted that the 90th Texas Legislature will convene on January 10, 2027, with interim committee hearings expected to focus on water demands associated with energy-intensive technologies, desalination, and regulatory efficiency.

Overall, the conference reinforced the importance of proactive planning, scientific research, and collaborative water management to ensure a sustainable water future for Texas and the nation.

TWDB Adopts 2027 State Water Plan

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has unanimously adopted the 2027 State Water Plan, outlining the state's long-term strategy for meeting future water needs. The Phase I plan identifies nearly 6,700 water management strategies and 3,000 water supply projects designed to help ensure a reliable water supply through 2080.

The plan projects Texas' population will grow by 53% over the next 50 years—from 34.2 million in 2030 to 52.3 million by 2080—while total water demand is expected to increase by 6%. At the same time, existing reliable water supplies are projected to decline by 10% due to drought and other factors. Implementing the plan is estimated to cost $174 billion and could provide an additional 7.6 million acre-feet of water annually by 2080.

Updated every five years, the State Water Plan is based on recommendations from 16 regional water planning groups.

TWDB expects to amend the initial plan before January 5, 2027, the statutory deadline to incorporate additional analysis and narrative content. Explore the plan and its interactive features here.

HPWD Staff Visits Highland Springs Village Project

HPWD staff visited the Highland Springs Village development on July 31 with Janice Young of B & M Amarillo Homes to view the progress of this water-conserving residential project.

Owner Barry Christy of B & M Amarillo Homes noted the Highland Springs Village project will include 108 residential units (18 six-plexes) on 15.64 acres along FM 2186. The development is designed to reduce outdoor water use by replacing traditional, water-intensive fescue lawns with native Buffalo and Blue Grama grasses, which are well adapted to the High Plains' average annual rainfall of 12–21 inches.

Once established, native landscaping is expected to reduce outdoor water use by up to 90% compared to conventional landscapes. The project also incorporates drought-tolerant shrubs and plants, along with crushed granite pathways to support water conservation.

HPWD awarded a $50,000 Research and Demonstration Grant to help fund the native grass seed, drought-tolerant landscaping, and crushed-granite pathways. 

Conservation Reminder

Wash Smart. Save Water

Consider using a commercial car wash instead of washing your vehicle at home. Many commercial car washes recycle water and typically use 30–45 gallons of water per vehicle, making them a water-efficient choice.

If you prefer to wash your vehicle at home, use a spray nozzle with an automatic shut-off and turn off the water while soaping the vehicle. This can reduce water use to 30–60 gallons per wash, compared to 80–140 gallons when using a running garden hose. Every gallon saved helps conserve our valuable groundwater resources.

Waste Reminder

Help Prevent Water Waste

Water waste is prohibited under Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code and the rules of the High Plains Water District (HPWD).

If you notice water escaping from a water line or running down an alley or roadway in your neighborhood, it is important to identify the source so the leak can be stopped or repaired. Water flowing into streets or alleys is considered water waste.

If the leak appears to involve a public water supply line, please contact the local water utility before attempting any repairs.

For questions about preventing water waste or to learn more about water conservation, contact the High Plains Water District at (806) 762-0181.

Administratively Complete Permit Applications 

 Upcoming Events

View the HPWD Calendar of events.

 Reminder of Events

Agriculture Water Sustainability Summit

Register Here: 2026 Agriculture Water Sustainability Summit

Texas Water News and Drought Updates 

• Texas County Uses Tax Incentives to Steer Data Center Development
• Data center approvals in Texas halted until audits completed, Gov. Greg Abbott says
• "We must prohibit them" says Governor Abbott about building AI data centers in rural Texas neighborhoods
• Playas Are Essential for Wildlife and Aquifer Recharge in Texas Panhandle
• Harrison County joins push for East Texas groundwater conservation district
• Earthquake hits Texas Panhandle
• The drought conditions map and monthly outlook have been updated.